Teaching system

ABSTRACT

A light transmitting window upon which is superimposed a translucent template having various normally obscured information for use in teaching and a lamp assembly projecting a light beam which is selectively positionable relative to the window. The lamp assembly may have a plurality of separate compartments each of which can be provided with independently actuated lamps to illuminate only a segment of the window, the segment having a configuration corresponding to a single body of information on the template so that the body of information is made visible by the illumination. Alternatively, the lamp may remain stationary and a movable shutter assembly used to direct a light beam of selected configuration to various locations on the window. Instructions, questions and other information is made audibly available with an audio recording apparatus. A method of teaching includes illuminating a portion of the template to reveal a question or the like allowing a student to respond by selecting from among alternative answers and, thereafter, illuminating another portion of the template to reveal the most appropriate of the alternative answers or comments on the selected answer. An alternative method includes first audibly communicating questions or information to the student.

United States Patent Hall [451 Aug. 1, 1972 [54] TEACHING SYSTEM [57]ABSTRACT Inventor: Wendell Hall 3015 Cherokee A light transmittingwindow upon which is superim- Provo, Utah 84601 posed a translucenttemplate having various normally [22] Filed; May 13 1970 obscuredinformation for use in teaching and a lamp Appl. No.: 36,835

Primary Examiner-Wm. H. Grieb Attorney-Lynn G. Foster assemblyprojecting a light beam which is selectively positionable relative tothe window. The lamp as sembly may have a plurality of separatecompartments each of which can be provided with independently actuatedlamps to illuminate only a segment of the window, the segment having aconfiguration corresponding to a single body of information on thetemplate so that the body of information is made visible by theillumination. Alternatively, the lamp may remain stationary and amovable shutter assembly used to direct a light beam of selectedconfiguration to various locations on the window. Instructions,questions and other information is made audibly available with an audiorecording apparatus. A method of teaching includes illuminating aportion of the template to reveal a question or the like allowing astudent to respond by selecting from among alternative answers and,thereafter, illuminating another portion of the template to reveal themost appropriate of the alternative answers or comments on the selectedanswer. An alternative method includes first audibly communicatingquestions or information to the student.

7 Claims, 20 Drawing Figures PAIENTEDM 1 I912 3.680.224

SHEET 1 [IF 5 SWITCH '4 FOR LAMPS I40 I42 I44 1 7 MOTOR PULSE figs:MOVABLE RECORDER CONTROL- LAMP MOTOR ASSEMBLY INVENTOR WENDELL H. HALLBY Z ATTORNEY PAIENTEDA B Hm- 3.680.224

sum 2 or 5 I 4 i INVENTOR.

WENDELLH. HALL.v

AT ORNEY PATENTEDAUB 1 I972 3.680.224

sum 3 or 5 FIG. 9

FIG. l2

INVENTOR. WENDELL H. HALL FIG. IO FIG. u ATTORNEY PATENTEDAIJB 1 1912saw u or 5 INVENTOR. WENDELL H. HALL BY I I 5 ATTORNEY PATENT-Emus' 1I912 SHEET 5 OF 5 m mix I/////// v u i NnN INVENTOR. WENDELL H. HALLATTORNEY v TEACHING SYSTEM BACKGROUND l. Field of the Invention FIG. 13is a perspective view of another presently preferred embodiment of theinvention which is easily portable from place to place;

FIG. 14 is sill another presently preferred embodi- The inventionrelates to teaching systems including of the invention Shown in P papparatus and methods and more particularly to apparatus and method forallowing a student to respond to audio and visual instruction.

2. The Prior Art Teaching devices known to me generally includestructure for presenting selected questions or information whereupon thestudent is required to write an answer or response upon a separate pieceof paper. Normally, the student does not have opportunity to have hisanswer or response evaluated until after an extended period of time haspassed. Frequently, this allows the student to forget at least some ofthe information and, thereby, lose the significance of the information.The difficulty of recall makes the described teaching tool lesseffective.

A more effective way of teaching is to visually or audibly communicateinformation to a student and allow the student to respond to theinformation. Then, an immediate evaluation of the response is effectiveto reinforce the correct response in the mind of the student.

BRIEF SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION According to the presentinvention, information is communicated to a student either visually oraudibly so that the student has opportunity to respond. After theresponse, comment or evaluation of the response is immediately availableto the student.

It is a primary object of the present invention to provide novelapparatus and methods for teaching students.

It is another valuable object of the present invention to provideimproved teaching apparatus which accommodates immediate evaluation ofstudent response after the response has been formulated by the student.

These and other objects and features of the present invention willbecome more fully apparent from the following description and appendedclaims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective ofone presently preferred embodiment of the invention with parts brokenaway to reveal inner portions of the apparatus;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the movable lamp assembly of FIG. 1 with theupper portion of the apparatus removed for ease of illustration; 3

FIG. 3 is a cover plate used with the embodiment of FIG. 2;

2 FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross section taken along lines 4-4 of FIG.2;

FIGS. 5-7 are schematic illustrations of other presently preferredembodiments of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the electroniccomponent parts of the apparatus;

FIGS. 9-12 schematically illustrate presently preferred templateembodiments usable with the illustrated embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 15 is a longitudinal cross section taken along lines 15-15 of FIG.14;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the control unit of FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is a cross section taken along lines 17-17 of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a fragmentary perspective view of the shutter and diaphragmassembly of FIG. 14, parts being broken away to reveal otherwiseconcealed elements;

FIG. 19 is a bottom plan view of the writing surface of FIG. 14illustrating control linkage for the shutter and diaphragm assembly ofFIG. 18; and

FIG. 20 is a transverse cross section taken along lines 20-20 of FIG.14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to theFigures, throughout this specification like parts are designated withlike numerals. The Embodiment of FIGS. 1 7

Referring particularly to FIG. 1, the teaching display apparatus,generally designated 20, includes a base 22 preferably formed of rigidstructural material such as metal or plastic and has integral upstandingsides 24 and ends 26. The sides and ends 24 and 26, respectively, arejoined together by rounded corners 28 and present a substantially smoothupper edge 30.

A frame 32 is carried upon the edge 30, frame 32 presenting a border 34around the periphery of the open end of the base 22. The frame 32 has agenerally square opening 34. Preferably, the frame is attached to thebase 22 so that the frame is immovable when disposed upon the base butcan be selectively moved from the base to accommodate access to theinterior of the base as will be subsequently more fully described.

Frame 32 carries a plate or sheet of light-transmitting material 36,which may be glass or plastic or the like in a substantially horizontalplane spaced somewhat below the upper surface of the frame 32. The plate36 may be bonded or otherwise rigidly secured to the frame 32 and, asillustrated in FIG. 1, may be carried within a downwardly projectingbracket 38 integral with the frame 32. The plate 36 may be translucentor transparent and preferably has an upper face which is inwardlycontoured as at 39 adjacent the top edge 40 of the plate.

An upper plate 42 is likewise carried by the frame 32 within the opening34. Preferably, plate 42 is adapted to erasably receive markings from awax-bore pencil, felt-tipped pen or the like. The upper plate 42 ispreferably formed of transparent material, such as plastic or glass, andis nominally spaced above the lower plate 36. The spacing is maintainedby an outwardly projecting rib 44 carried by the bracket 38.Significantly, the plate 42 is united with the frame 32 on three sidesand temrinates in a rounded edge 46 which is laterally spaced from thecontoured edge of the lower plate 36. Thus, an elongated opening 48communicates the space 50 between the plates 42 and 36 with theexterior. The plates 42, 36 and frame 32 comprise a display panelgenerally designated 52 which serves a function hereinafter more fullydescribed.

Interiorly, the base 22 is provided with a movable lamp assemblygenerally designated 54 and best illustratedin FIGS. 2 and 4. Referringnow to FIG. 2, the lamp assembly 54 is a box 56 which is divided bypartitions 58 into compartments 60. Although any desired number ofcompartments could be formed, there are five compartments in theillustrated embodiment. A lamp socket 62 is rigidly mounted in eachcompartment 60 and each socket 62 is connected by anelectricityconducting wire 64 to a power input cord. 66. Each socket iscoupled in a conventional way to a lamp 63. The box 56 is preferablyfitted with cover 128 (FIG. 3) formed of opaque material. Cover 128 hasa plurality of spaced apertures 130, 132, 134, 136 and 138. Eachaperture'is disposed over a separate compartment 60 so that when thelamp in the compartment is illuminated, light will project through thecorresponding aperture. The apertures have a variety of configuration sothat light projecting from the apertures will illuminate areas ofpredetermined size and shape on the plates 36 and 42. For example,apertures 130 and 132 form rectangular areas of light on plates 36 and42 when the corresponding lamps are illuminated. Apertures 134 and136forrn lines of light on the plates 36 and 42 and aperture 138 forms apoint of light. The method using the various illumination configurationswill be hereinafter more fully described.

The box 56 is provided with a rotatable pulley wheel 68 at each corner,each pulley wheel being rotatably mounted upon a pin 70 (FIG. 4). Eachpulley wheel extends laterally beyond the outside edge of the box 56.The pulley wheels 68 engage opposed flanges 72 integrally joined toparallel tracks 74. Thus, the lamp assembly 54 can be easily laterallydisplaced to and fro along the tracks 74.

One end 76 of the box 56 is connected to one end of a cord 78 and theother end 80 of the box 56 is connected to the opposite end of the cord78. Cord 78 traverses around a large pulley wheel 82, best shown in FIG.4 and subsequently more fully described. With continued reference toFIG. 2, the cord 78 is guided by pin 84 and pulley 86 so as to traversea path parallel to and spaced from the box 54. The cord 78 is alsodisposed over pulley 88. Pulleys 86 and 88 and pin 84 allows the cord 78to be axially displaced. Thus, when the pulley wheel 82 (FIG. 4) isrotated, the cord 78 will be displaced to draw the light assembly 54 inone direction or other, depending upon the direction of rotation.

Having described how the lamp assembly 54 moves back and forthlaterally, the structure illustrating how the lamp assembly 54 isdisplaced back and forth normal to the previously described movementwill now be described. With continued reference to FIG. 2, the tracks 74are rigidly attached at one end to a bracket 90 and at the other end toa plate 92. The plate 92 is generally U-shaped in longitudinalcross-section, the sides of the U each being provided with generallyopposed laterally extending flanges 94. A pulley 96 is mounted rotatablyupon each flange 94 adjacent corresponding comers of the plate 92. Asbest shown in FIG. 4, pulleys 96 engage opposed outwardly projectingribs 98 integrally depending from a control panel 100.

The control panel 100 is situated adjacent one side 26 of the base 22and is rigidly mounted thereupon. The control panel 100 abuts the frame32 carrying plates 36 and 42. Control panel 100 has a longitudinal slot102, illustrated schematically in FIG. 5.

The plate 92 is connected to a control knob generally designated 104 bya hollow shaft 106 disposed through the slot 102. The shaft 106 isrigidly secured within a through bore in downwardly projecting boss 108comprising part of the plate 92. Shaft 106 is integral with a knobhousing 107 which is substantially diametrally enlarged and is disposedabove the control panel 100 exterior of the base 22. Switches 154, 155,156, 157 and 158 are mounted within the knob housing 107 and areinterposed between a power source (not shown) and the power input cord66 so as to control the operational state of corresponding lamps 63.

Shaft 106 is provided with a jacket 110 which circumscribes the shaft106 and also the knob housing 107. Significantly, the jacket 1 10 isrotatable relative to the housing 107 and the shaft 106 and isnon-rotatably attached to the pulley wheel 82. Thus, rotation of thejacket 110 exterior of the base 22 causes the pulley wheel 82 to rotate,thereby laterally displacing the lamp assembly 54.

Displacement of the lamp assembly 54 in a direction essentially normalto the above described lateral displacement isaccommodated by exerting alateral force upon the jacket 110 in the direction of slot 102. Thementioned force causes the plate 92 to be displaced along the opposedribs 98 in the direction of the slot 102. Similarly, the bracket 90(FIGS. 2 and 4) is supported upon the outwardly projecting rib 112carried by the side 26 of the base 22 (FIG. 4). The bracket 90 ismounted upon the rib 112 with a pulley 114, the pulley 114 beingrotatably carried upon the bracket 90. Thus, lateral movement of theknob assembly 104 causes concurrent lateral displacement of the lampassembly 54.

Other presently preferred ways of laterally displacing the lamp assembly54 are schematically illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. For example,referring to FIG. 6, a knob assembly 116 may be used, the knob assembly.116 having a push rod 118 which displaces the lamp assembly 54 in onedirection while rotation of the knob 120 displaces the lamp assembly inthe opposite direction. Still another desirable way of displacing thelamp assembly 54 is illustrated schematically in FIG. 7. In FIG. 7, aknob assembly 120 comprises a center knob 124 and a circurnscribingexterior knob 126, knob 126 having an axial dimension which issubstantially less than the axial dimension of knob 124. When theinterior knob 124 is rotated, the lamp assembly 154 will be displacedalong one axis and when the knob 126 is rotated, the lamp assembly 54will be displaced along a perpendicular axis.

It is presently preferred that a stationary lamp (not shown) be mountedupon one end 26 of the base 22 adjacent the plate 36. Thus, when thestationary lamp is energized, all of the area of plates 36 and 42 willbe illuminated.

The Embodiment of FIG. 8

Ifdesired, an automatic control system for displacing the light assembly54 may be carried within the base 22. The apparatus necessary forautomatic control of the lamp assembly 54 is schematically illustratedin FIG. 8. In this embodiment, a recorder such as a conventional taperecorder 140 may be used to give directions to a student using theapparatus 20 and also may be used to initiate control pulses fordisplacing the lamp assembly 54. Although any suitable recordingapparatus could be used, the Allied model 1150 solid state tape cassetterecorder has been found satisfactory. The Allied recorder operates fromeither battery or conventional A.C. electrical energy.

As the tape recorder plays back instructions and directions to thestudent, selected tones are emitted from the recorder which are pickedup by the pulse .adapters 142. The pulse adapters are commercially sestransferred by the pulse adapters 142. For example, I

each lamp can be triggered by a specific tone and a plurality of lampsmay be energized by the switch mechanism 146 when the correspondingtones are sequentially transferred by the recorder 140 to the pulseadapters 142.

The motor controllers 144 selective actuate stepping motors 148 and 150which in turn drive the movable lamp assembly '54 in either directionalong the X axis and in either direction along the Y axis. The steppingmotors and motor controllers are conventional commercially-availableapparatus, a suitable type of each being obtainable from AutomationDevelopment Company of Culver City, California.

The Method of the FIG. 1-8 Embodiments The present invention may be usedas a teaching system for a wide variety of subjects and may be also usedfor an educational entertainment game. It has been found that thedevelopment is particularly useful in teaching foreign languages tostudents. The normal language teaching sequence employed with thepresent invention consists of live steps, including (1) familiarization(initial presentation, inductive or deductive), (2) assimilation (drillsand exercises), (3) application (functional use, games, and the like),(4) control (examination and testing), and (5) continued use (systematicreview). As can be appreciated by the above description, the movablelamp assembly forms a point of light, lines of light and/or blocks oflight.

The point of light is, importantly, used as an index point for visuallyobserving the location of the movable lamp assembly 54 relative to theplate .42. When a template 152 has been properly positioned in the space50, the point of light may be used to correctly position the lampassembly relative to the template prior to the generation of lines oflight or blocks of light. 7

The point of light is also particularly valuable for aspects offamiliarization in the teaching sequence. For

example, a cartoon or photo sequence carried by a template and visuallyobservable through the plate 42 may be used in the teaching method. Aquestion or statement relating to the cartoon is visually observable onthe face of the template. Upon reading the statement, the studentattempts to select the part of the drawing which best relates to thestatement. Having selected the part of the drawing, he positions thepoint of light at the selected location. If the student is accurate, anindication of the accuracy of the selection (which indication has beenpreviously inscribed on the reverse side of the template) becomesvisually observable at the point of light. Therefore, the student ismade immediately aware of the accuracy of his statement. In a similarmanner, true-false, multiple-choice and matching exercises and the likeare quickly confirmed using the point of light.

When desired, lamps 62 may be illuminated so that light projects throughthe apertures 136 and 134 (FIG. 3) to form a line of light. Once theline of light has been formed, the student can vertically displace theline of light by manually displacing knob 104, or the line of light canbe automatically displaced in response to a tone from the recorder asdescribed with the FIG. 8 embodiment.

The line of light makes possible confirmation of reading comprehensionand improving reading skills. For example, a statement in foreignlanguage may be observable on the template and the translation thereofinscribed on the reverse side of the template. When the student hasinterpreted the statement, the proper interpretation can be immediatelyconfirmed by displacing the line of light immediately beneath theforeign language statement thereby making a proper interpretationreadily visibly available to the student. Similarly, it is possible toimmediately check the accuracy of a dictated statement and also servesfor immediate confirmation .of answers to written or oral questions.Clearly, numerous other types of drills are possible with the line oflight.

The block of light formed by projecting light through either or both ofthe apertures 130 and 132 (FIG. 3) may be used in a manner similar tothat described for the line of light. Also, the blocks of light areparticularly useful in connection with illustrations, charts, graphs,diagrams and the like. For example, graphs may be used in languageteaching to show the relative standing of one country to another inagriculture, industry and the like. In response to specific questionsrelating to graphs and diagrams on a template, a student may inscriberequired information on plate 42 with a waxbase pencil, felt-tipped penor the like. Thereafter, a block of light may be illuminated to cause aproper response to become visually observable upon the template.

It can be also appreciated that where desired, blocks of light, lines oflight and points of light may be used in various combinations one withanother for any one of a variety of template layouts for teaching.

FIGS. 9-12 In the use of the display apparatus 20, a template or overlay152 is implemented in the teaching process. Various overlay or templateconfigurations are illustrated in FIGS. 9-12. Preferably, the templateis inserted in the space 50 between plates 36 and 42, the

"inscribed information on the reverse side of the template, light isprojected from the movable lamp assembly to the underside of thetemplate thereby illuminating a portion of the inscribed information andmaking that portion visually observable to the student. Alternatively,if desired, the stationary lamp can be illuminated to reveal all of theinscribed information on the reverse side of the template.

The printed information on the templates may be organized into verticalcolumns of print as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 or, if desired, a compositeillustration may be presented as shown schematically in FIG. 1 1 orsmaller diserete"v illustrations as shown in FIG. 12, with accompanyingsymbols, letters, numbers, etc. The illustrated basic formats for thetemplates have been found most convenient and efiective in teachingforeign languages to students. However, it can be appreciated that thetemplate could be organized into any suitable geometric configuration ofverbal messages and illustrations, printed by machine or written ordrawn by hand.

FIG. 13

Reference is now made to FIG. 13 which illustrates an easily portableembodiment of the invention generally designated 160. The teaching unit160 comprises a rectangular carrying case 162 which is connected byhinges 164 to a lid 166. The lid 166 has a size and configuration whichmatches the size and configuration of the case 162 and is pivotableaboutthe hinges 164 from a closed position to a generally open positionas illustrated in FIG. 13. Side braces 168 and 170 are pivotallyconnected between the lid 166 and case 162 so as to restrain the lid inthe open position when desired.

The case is preferably provided with conventional spring latches 172carried by the lid and mating latch sites 174 carried by the case 162.When latches 172 are properly closed upon the latch sites 174, the casewill be locked in a closed condition. A handle 176 is pivotallycarriedwithin brackets 178 so that the case 162 may be easilytransported from place to place.

Interior of the case, a display unit 180 is rigidly mounted. The displayunit 180 is substantially similar to the display unit illustrated inFIGS. 1-4. The display unit 180 differs from the display 20 in that theupper plate 42 is surrounded on all sides by a rigid border 182 ofplastic material and the space between plate 42 and plate 36 (not shownin FIG. 13) opens into a trough 184. .A ramp surface 186 borders thetrough 184 so that templates 152 can be easily inserted into the spaceunder plate 42 by guiding the templates over the ramp surface 186.

The display unit 180 has a double pole-double throw switch 188 whichconnects power into the unit 180 and, at the same time, illuminates anindex light in the lamp assembly. The control knob 190 and switches 192are then used to adjust the position and sequence of illumination of themovable lamp assembly 54 (see FIGS. 2 and 4). The recorder 140,described above with FIG. 8, is disposed in the case 162 alongside thedisplay unit 180. The recorder 140 has an outlet jack 194. Head phones196 and 198 are connected by wires 200 and 202', respectively, and maleplugs 204 and 206 to the outlet jack 194. The head phones 196 and 198have curved head bands 208 and 210, respectively, for allowing the headphones to be comfortably carried upon the head, as is conventional.

When desired, the plugs 204 and 206 can be uncoupled from the jack 194so that the head phones 196 and 198 may be nested within compartment 212in the case 162. Also, a switch 214 located along the right-hand edge ofthe case 162 (as viewed in FIG. 13) can be used to allow a team of twostudents to work together in the teaching-process. The separate headphones 196 and 198 allow each student to receive instructions from therecorder and, at the same time, allow each student to discuss with theother the subject matter of the information. Switch 214,. when actuated,determines whether a single head phone or both head phones areelectrically connected into the recorder 140.

A receptacle 216 is mounted upon the lid 166 so as to be confined withinthe case 162 when the lid is in the closed'condition. The receptacle 216has an opening 218 directed toward the upper edge of the case lid 166when the lid is in the illustrated position. Receptacle 216 carries aplurality of templates 152 conveniently within the case 162 so that thetemplates 152 are readily accessable Thus, the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 13 is particularly advantageous because it is compact andcompletely portable from place to place.

The Method The method of using the teaching unit is similar to themethod above described with relation to the em-' bodiments of FIGS. 1-8.However, the teaching unit 160 advantageously accommodates thecooperative activity of at least two students comprising a team. Each oftwo students places one of the head phones 196 and 198 upon his head andinserts a tape in the recorder 140. The students may then work togetherin making functional use of skills and knowledge acquired in the foreignlanguage. Notably, the single unit head phones allow one ear to be freeso that the students can communicate onewith another. If desired, theswitch 214 may be actuated to make the recorded information on tapeavailable to either one of the two students, exclusively, or to bothstudents simultaneously according to the type of instruction desired.

Graphic materials employed on templates may provide controlled,systematic cues for speech production or conversation and the recordingsserve to prompt and guide students in their responses until they areable to communicate unassisted with sufl'icient ability and confidence.Visual stimuli carried by the templates may be used in conjunction withthe audio stimuli from the recorder 140 and students may verify theirresponses and answers by adjusting the location of the light sourcerelative to the template with knob 190.

FIGS. 14-20 Reference is now made particularly to FIGS. 14 and 15 whichillustrate still another presently preferred em-' bodiment of theinvention mounted in a table or carrel generally designated 220. Asillustrated in FIG. 15, the carrel comprises a base member 222 which issupported upon legs 224. Base 222 supports front wall 226 and rear wall228, wall 228 having a greater height than wall 226. Sides 230 cooperatewith walls 226 and 228 to support the sloping writing surface 232. Thesurface 232 may be rigidly mounted upon the walls 226 and 228 or,alternatively, may be hingedly connected to the wall 228 so that accessto the interior of the carrel 220 is made possible by lifting the frontedge of the surface 232. Also, if desired, a storage drawer or the like(not shown) could be formed in the carrel 220.

A display unit generally designated 234 is mounted in a rectangularaperture 236 in the surface 232. The display unit 234 resembles thedisplay unit 20 illustrated in FIG. 1 but differs from the display unit20 in several respects.

A translucent or transparent plate 238 is mounted in the aperture 236 soas to be flush with the writing surface 232. A rectangular frame 240formed of lightweight metal, plastic or the like is superimposed overthe plate 238'and is slightly larger in outside diametral dimension sothat the joint between the plate 238 and the surface 232 is obscuredfrom view. The frame 240 has a generallycentrally disposed rectangularopening 242 in which is mounted a transparent writing plate 244. Theplate 244 is separated from the plate 238 so as to form a space 246therebetween (see FIG.

Space 246 opens to the exterior through an elongated slot 248 whichopens parallel to guide way 250 carried by the frame 240. The guide way250 has a contoured recess 252 which facilitates insertion and removalof templates 152 (FIG. 9) in space 246. Thus, a template may be disposedin the space 246 by guiding the template along the guide way 250 throughthe elongated slot 248.

Templates not in use may be placed in receptacle 254. Receptacle 254 iselongated and generally troughshaped and is disposed within an elongatedopening 256 in the surface 232. A peripheral lip 258 extends laterallyfrom the receptacle 254 so as to prevent the receptacle from fallingcompletely through the surface 232. Also, receptacle 254 has an opening260 which is angularly oriented so as to be parallel with the slope ofthe surface 232.

With reference particularly to FIG. 15, the light source of the displayunit 243 includes a conventional light projector 262 which is rigidlymounted upon platform 264 integral with the rear wall 228. Although anysuitable projector could be used, an AC/DC projector of the typemanufactured by T.M. Visual Industries, Inc., or the model V-lmanufactured by Viewlex, Inc., of Holbrook, New York has been foundsatisfactory. The projector 262 projects a light beam 266 forward, thelight being incident upon a reflective surface 268 such as a mirror. Themirror 268 is joined to the rear wall 228 and is angularly related tothe rear wall 228 so as to direct the beam 226 to a second reflectivesurface or mirror 270 mounted upon the base member 222. Light beam 266is again reflected by mirror 270 to plate 238.

Because the light source 262 and mirrors 268 and 270 are fixed in space,the pencil of light directed upon plate 238 can be moved from place toplace by changing the location at which the light is emitted from theprojector 262 with a diaphragm and shutter assembly generally designed272 (FIG. 18) as will now be more fully described.

Referring more particularly to FIG. 18, the shutter assembly 272 isshown in fragmentary perspective.

Shutter assembly 272 comprises a base plate 274 which is generallyU-shaped in configuration, having -a horizontal member 276 andupstanding sides 278 and 280. Downwardly projecting tabs 282 and 284 arerespectively provided with bores 286 and 288. The base plate 274 issituated at the objective diaphragm of projector 262 (in place of theusual slide carrier) as shown in FIG. 15 and is bolted on the projectorby screws (not shown) disposed through the bores 286 and 288 into theprojector housing.

Base plate 274 has an elongated rectangular opening (not shown)essentially centrally located in the horizontal member 276. Also, eachof the sides 278 and 280 are provided with longitudinally directedgrooves or tracts 290 and 292, respectively. Carriage plate 294 isdisposed loosely within the tracks 290 and 292 so that the carriageplate 294 can be laterally displaced horizontally relative to theprojector 262 (FIG. 15) in a manner subsequently more fully described.

Spaced parallel tracks 296 and 298 are integral with the carriage plate294, each of the tracks having opposed recesses 300 and 302. Thecarriage plate 294 has a rectangular aperture 306 centrally disposedbetween the tracks 296 and 298, aperture 306 normally being in fullregister with the opening (not shown) in the horizontal member 276 ofthe base plate 274.

A displaceable plate 308 is reciprocably carried within the tracks 300and 302. Plate 308 has an upper way 310 and a lower way 312, the ways310 and 312 being formed by parallel guides 314 and 316 whichrespectively project above and below the plate 308. Elongated strips 318and 320 are rigidly mounted upon the guides 314 and 316 so as topartially close the way 310. Similarly, the strips 324 and 326 areintegral with the guides 314 and 316 to partially close the way 312.

The diaphragm blades are positioned by finger-actuated tabs 330 and 332.Tab 330 is exposed within an elongated slot 334 in the frame 240 asshown in FIGS. 14 and 20. With reference particularly to FIG. 20, theslot 334 is interrupted by spaced partitions 336 and 338 which cooperateto form an elongated channel 340. As best shown in FIG. 19, thepartition 336 includes an elongated slot 342 which terminates at ends334 and 346. Partition 338 is provided with a similar slot in registerwith the slot 342.

Referring again to FIG. 20, the tab 334 has a depending shaft 348 whichterminates in an end 350 below the sloping writing. surface 232. Ahearing 352 is mounted upontheshaft348andisdisposedwithinachannel340 sothat the tab may be easily displaced to and fro within the slot 334. Theend 350 of the shaft 348 is disposed through an elongated slot 354 (FIG.19) in a lever bar 356. Opposed retainers 358 and 360 maintain the leverbar in proper location upon the shaft 348.

Lever bar 356 has an aperture (not shown) through which a pivot screw362 is disposed. A cylindrical spacer 364 (FIG. 20) maintains the lever356 at a I properly spaced distance from the sloping surface 232 andallows the lever bar to pivot easily around the axis of the screw 362.

A slide channel 366, best shown in FIG. 19, is secured by screws 368 and370 to the underside of surface 232 parallel to the slot 334. Channel366 receives a slide block 372 conventionally formed of nylon or thelike so as to slide loosely within the channel 366. Lever bar 356 ispivotly connected to slide block 372 with screw v374. An elongated slot376 allows the slide block 372 to traverse essentially the entire lengthof channel 366 while the lever 356 pivots at the screw 362.

The slide block 372 is integrally connected to the core '378 of agenerally flexible coaxial control cable 380. The cable sheath 382 isimmovably connected to the underside of surface 332 with connectingblock 384 so that as the slide block 372 is displaced within the channel366, only the core 378 will be displaced by the block 372. As best shownin FIG. 18, the coaxial cable 438 is coupled to diaphragm blade 436. Aconnecting block (not indicated in FIG. 18) is mounted upon thecarriage. plate 308 and the core 378 is secured in the diaphragm blade436. Thus, the diaphragm blade 436 can be displaced to vary thedimensions and shape of the aperture by laterally moving tab 330 alongthe slot 334. Movement of tab 330 causes the lever 356 to pivot at thescrew 362 so thatthe block 372 and core 378 are displaced within channel366 (FIG. 19). As the core 378 is displaced, the attached diaphragmblade 436 (FIG. 18) will also be displaced as above described.

While the diaphragm blade 436 is displaceable vertically, diaphragmblade 412 is displaoeable horizontally when the core 406 of cable 408(FIG. 18) is displaced by manipulation of tab 332 in slot 392 (FIG. 14)in a manner substantially similar to the displacement of core 378 abovedescribed.

Referring again to FIG. 18, the upper way 310 slidably receives opaqueshutters 394 and 396, the shutters 394 and 396 each having an elongatednotch 398 and an upwardly projecting car 400 located at one side of thenotch. The core 402 of a coaxial cable 404 is attached to the car 400 ofshutter 394. Similarly, the core 406 of coaxial control cable 408 isattached to the ear of shutter 396.

Shutters 394 and 396 are superimposed over diaphragm blades 410 and 412,respectively. Each of the diaphragm blades 410 and 412 is similar to theshutters 394 and 396 and each has an upstanding ear 414 disposed at thebase of a rectangular notch 416 and located at the other side of thenotch 416. It should be observed that notch 416 has a substantiallysmaller axial dimension than notch 398 so that each diaphragm blade canbe displaced into aperture 328 independent of shutters 394 and 396.Also, the core 418 of a coaxial control cable 420 is attached to the earof diaphragm blade 410. Similarly, the core 422 of coaxial control cable424 is attached to the diaphragm blade 412.

Shutters 394 and 396 are respectively superimposed over diaphragm blades410 and 412 so that each of the mentioned blades is independentlydisplaceable within the way 310. The particular instantaneous positionof the shutters and blades are determined by the coaxial cables. I

The way 312 receives shutter 426 having a transparent, though colortinted, end 428. The tinted shutter 426 is in general vertical alignmentwith shutter 394 and diaphragm blade 410. Preferably, another tintedshutter (not shown) is interposed into the way 312 in general verticalalignment with the shutter 396. The position of shutter 426 iscontrolled by a coaxial cable 430 as will hereinafter be more fullydescribed.

As can be appreciated by reference to FIG. 18, another way 432intersects the lower way 312 essen- L tially perpendicularly, the way432 having tracks 434 upon which rides a diaphragm blade 436. Blade 436is reciprocable within the way 432 upon the tracks 434 into and out ofthe aperture 328. The particular position of the blade 436 is determinedby coaxial cable 438. Notably, the cable 438 is disposed in elongatedslot 439 in track 298 so that lateral movement of plate 308 is nothindered by the cable.

The diaphragm blades cooperate to change the configuration of lightbeams emerging from the aperture 328. For example, the diaphragm blades410 and 412 may be brought together to form a narrow shaft of lightemitting from the aperture 328. For example, the diaphragm blades 410and 412 may bebrought together to form a narrow shaft of light emittingfrom the aperture 328. Also, if desired, the diaphragm blade 436 may beused with diaphragm blades 410 and 412 to reduce the light emerging fromaperture 328 to a single dot. Alternatively, a rectangular light beamcould be formed when the diaphragm blades 410 and 412 are in thecompletely retracted position outside of aperture 328 and the diaphragmblade 436 is interposed part way into the aperture 328.

The tinted shutters 426 are used to filter the light emerging throughthe aperture 328 so that a single light color emerges. The shutters areeither completely open or completely closed, except for narrow indexingslits employed to indicate position and potential dimensions ofprojected light at any time, as shaped by the diaphragm blades.Translucent templates can be inscribed with information in a particularcolor, e.g., blue, together with information inscribed in one othercolor, e.g. black. Thereafter, when the template has been insertedproperly into the display unit 234, the blue-tinted shutters 426 may beinterposed in the aperture 328 so that only blue light emerges. Theemerging blue light will make the blue (though not the black)inscriptions on the template invisible to the student until such time asit is desired to make the blue inscriptions visible, completing thepartial prompt or cue presented in black.

A rectangular aperture 328 exists in the plate 308 between guides 314and 316 central to the length of the ways 310 and 312. Aperture 328 isdisposed in register with aperture 306 and the opening (not shown) inbase plate 274. It can be appreciated that as the aperture 328 isdisplaced horizontally with carriage plate 294 and vertically withplate. 308, the location at which light is emitted from projector 262(FIG. 15) is correspondingly changed. The structure for and method ofdisplacing the plate 308'and carriage plate 294 will now be described.

It is desirable to be able to control the position of aperture 328 at alocation convenient to the display unit 234. Therefore, as shown best inFIG. 17, control unit 440 is provided for this purpose. The control unit440 includes a housing 442 which has a forwardly projecting shelf 446which is coextensive with the bottom end 448 of the housing. Downwardlytapering shields 450 converge from the top of housing 442 to the leadingedge of shelf 446. Buttons 452, 454, 456 and 458 project out of theleading face 460 of the housing 442 immediately above the shelf 446. Theshelf 446 and shields 450 protect the buttons 452, 454, 456 and 458 frominadvertent displacement.

As best illustrated in FIG. 17, the housing 442 includes a pair ofvertical partitions 462 and 464, each of which includes a plurality ofside-by-side vertically oriented guide slots (not shown) adapted toreceive actuating plates 466, one actuating plate being attached to eachof the buttons 452, 454, 456 and 458. Each of the actuating plates 466is biased by a spring (not shown) toward the illustrated position withthe buttons projecting outward and has a downwardly directed hook 468,to which is attached the core of a corresponding control cable. Forexample, each button 452, 454, 456 and 458.controls the position of acorresponding shutter (FIG. 18). Therefore, the actuating 4 plate 466attached to button 456 is connected to the core of control cable 430.Buttons 456 and 458 control tinted shutters 426 so that as buttons 456and 458 are depressed, the shutters 426 will move out of the center ofaperture 328 (FIG. 18) and when buttons 456 and 458 are released, thetinted shutters converge toward the center of aperture 328. In a similarmanner, shutters 394 and 396 are respectively disposed into and out ofaperture 328 (FIG. 18) by depressing and releasing buttons 452 and 454.

The control cables connected to actuating plates 466, such as cable 430illustrated in FIG. 17, traverse through the hollow interior 470 of adownwardly projecting stem 472 integral with housing 442. The stem 472is directed through an elongated slot 474 in carriage plate 476.

Carriage plate 476, also shown in FIG. 14, is disposed within arectangular insert 478 (FIG. 14) mounted within an opening (not shown)in the surface 232. The carriage plate 476 is recessed a substantial 435 dimensions is effected through operation of the shutdistance into theinsert 478 so that the bottom end 448 of housing 442 is only slightlyabove the surface 232. A track assembly 480 (FIG. 17) is mounted withinthe elongated slot 474 and an outwardly projecting runner 482, mountedupon the stem 472, glides along the track 480 so that the housing 442 iseasily laterally displaced within slot 474. The trailing end 484 of thestern 472 is disposed within an aperture 486 in horizontal control plate488. The horizontal control plate 488 has a downwardly depending bracket490 into which the trailing end 484 of stem 472 is nested. A threadedbolt 492 and a mating nut 494 tightly secure the stem 472 to the bracket490.

It is observed that the end 484 of stem 472 has a notch 496 which allowsthe control cables to pass out of the stem 472 beneath the surface 232and to thereafter traverse to the location of the shutter and diaphragmassembly 272 (FIG. 18.) The horizontal control plate 488 has outwardlyprojecting ribs 498 and 500 which are smaller in transverse dimensionthan the remainder of the plate 488. Ribs 498 and 500 are respectivelyreceived by grooves 502 and 504 of elongated tracks 506 and 508. Thetracks 506 and 508, which may be formed of nylon material, are rigidlymounted upon carriage plate 476 parallel to slot 474. Thus, a slightdisplacing force exerted upon the housing 442 will cause the runner 482and stem 472 to be displaced along the slot 474 and the control plate488 will be simultaneously guided along the tracks 506 and 508.

A screw 510 is threadedly secured to the control plate 488 and alsopasses through an elongated slot 512 in lever bar 514. It should beobserved that lever bar 5 is displaced parallel to slot 474, aperture328 (FIG. 18)

is displaced horizontally with carriage plate 294.

It should also be noted that the carriage plate 476 is displaceablymounted within tracks (not shown) carried by the sloping surface 232(FIG. 14) and oriented perpendicular to the direction of travelof tracks506 and 508. Thus, a lateral force exerted upon the housing 442 in adirection perpendicular to the slot 474 will cause the entire carriageplate 476 to be displaced perpendicular to the direction of slot 474.Carriage plate 476 is connected to the core 438 of control cable 380,attached to carriage plate 308 (FIG. 18). Thus, the position of aperture328 is controlled by the back and forth movement of carriage plates 476and 488 (FIG. 17).

Electrical energy to the projector 262 (FIG. 15 is controlled by switch247. Switch 516 may be a threeposition rocker switch controlling theoperation of a tape recorder, such as recorder 140, illustrated in FIG.13, transmitting information to either of two students, exclusively, orto both at once.

From the foregoing, it can be appreciated that the particular locationand shape of illumination incident upon the display unit 234 can beaccurately controlled.

30 The location on the writing plate 244 of the illumination iscontrolled by manipulating housing 442. The potential size andconfiguration of the illumination is determined by displacement of thetabs 330, 332 and 333 and actual illumination in the selected shape andters by actuation of the buttons 452, 454, 456 and 458.

lfdesired, the shutter and diaphragm blade assembly 272 may be used inconjunction with an audio component such as a tape recorder (not shown)which may be tape recorder above described. Control pulses may berecorded on the same track as lesson material or, if desired, onseparate tape tracks. When inexpensive recording equipment is employed,pulse adapters are utilized to adjust imprecise pulses to the inputpulse requirements of stepping control motors (not shown) which provideswitching logic required to efiect clockwise and counter clockwisestepping of the motors in desired increments. The apparatus and methodof operation of the automatic control may be substantially similar tothat described in connection with FIG. 8, above. The rotary motion ofthe stepping motors is converted to whatever directional motion isnecessary to adjust'the shape, size and position of the aperture and toactuate the shutters. In an analogous way, additional tones on the taperecording may be coupled through an adapter to efiect switching of theprojector to the on and off position. The Method Relating to FIGS. 14-20The method of the FIGS. 14-20 embodiment is in many ways substantiallysimilar to that described in connection with FIGS. l-8, above. Forexample, a point of light may be formed by manipulating tabs 330, 332and 333 so as to bring diaphragm blades 410, 412 and 436 well within theaperture 328 (FIG. 18), leaving only a narrow point of light projectingthrough the aperture.

Where a cartoon, photo sequence or the like is referred to for teachingpurposes, a question or statement may be readily visible upon thetemplate inserted in space 246 (FIG. 15.) Upon hearing or reading thestatement, the student willattempt to select the part of the drawing orcartoon which best relates to the state ment. Having made his choice,the point of light is positioned at the selected spot by manipulatinghousing 442.-In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the tintedshutters 426 may be placed across the aperture 328 (FIG. 18) so as tomake the point of light a single color. If. indications inscribed on theback of the template are of the same color as the beam of light, only apartial confirmation of accuracy (printed in another color) will beavailable. Therefore, the total information inscribed on the back of thetemplate (in two colors) is not visually available to the student untilthe precise moment in which the tinted shutters 426 are removed from theaperture 328 by manipulation of buttons 456 and 458.

When desired, the tinted shutters may be removed from the aperture 328and all of the inscribed information on the back of the template becomesvisually observable in the white light then projecting from the aperture328. In a similar way, true-false, multiple-choice and matchingexercises can be quickly confirmed by selectively displacing the tintedshutters 426-out of aperture 328.

The use of colored inscriptions in combination with tinted shuttersmakes possible many new instructional techniques. Students may beassisted in mastering instructional items by means of partial cues,prompts,

hints andthe like through selective use of the tinted shutters.Information on the reverse side of the template becomes visible when thetinted shutter is opened to allow white light to reveal the coloredinscriptions on the template. Clearly, if desired, a plurality of tintscould be used with a plurality of shutters. Also, inexpensive plasticspectacles may be used in conjunction with the materials printed anddisplayed by white light providing'further instructional possibilities.For example, one student wearing spectacles of one color is unable toview information displayed in that color though it is visible to histeammate. Similarly, the one student may view material that isinaccessible to his teammate. Other information may be accessible toboth students simultaneously.

In a manner similar to that described with regard to the point of light,a line of light and block of light may be used either individually or incombination to impleforms without departing from the spirit or essentialcharacteristics thereof. The present embodiments are,

therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and notrestrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appendedclaims rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes whichcome within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims aretherefore to be embraced therein.

What is claimed and desired to be secured by United States LettersPatent is:

l. A teaching apparatus comprising: light-transmitting base means;translucent means superimposable upon the base means for presentinginscribed information which is disposed on the reverse side thereof andis normally obscured from visual observations; stationary illuminatingmeans associated with the presenting means for illuminating selectedportions of the inscribed information to cause said information to bevisible through said translucent means; and displaceable shutter meansinterposable between said illuminating means and said translucent meansfor determining the shape, dimensions and location of illuminationemitted by the illuminatmg means. 2. Apparatus as defined in claim 1further comprisin tinted shutters selectively filtering the illuminationemitted through the displaceable shutter means so that while theillumination is filtered, inscribed information on the superimposablemeans having the same color hue as the tinted shutters will be visuallyobscured, said tinted shutters being selectively displaceable to permitreading of said inscribed information.

3. A teaching apparatus comprising: alight-transmitting plate; alight-transmitting template disposed on said plate having indiciaprovided on both the front and rear surfaces of said template with theindicia on said rear surface being readable through said template uponillumination of the portion of said template bearing said indicia onsaid rear surface;

a light source projecting a light beam to the light transmitting plate;

means for varying the configuration of the light beam; and

means for varying the location of incidence of the light beam upon theplate.

4. A teaching apparatus as defined in claim 3 further comprisingtransparent means superimposed over and spaced from thelight-transmitting plate, the transparent means erasably receivingindicia.

5. A teaching apparatus as defined in claim 3 wherein the light sourceis stationary and the first determining means comprises means interposedbetween said light source and said template defining an aperture throughwhich light from the stationary source projects and a shutter assemblyremotely controlled to vary the size and configuration of the aperture.

6. A teaching apparatus as defined in claim 5 wherein the seconddetermining means comprises remotely controlled means for displacing theaperture defining means laterally relative to the stationary lightsource. Y

7. In a method of teaching a student, the steps of:

communicating to the student information which suggests a response;

illuminating a portion of a template so that a plurality of responses tothe communicated information are visibly observable by the student whileblocking illumination from other portions of the template so thatinformation indicating the correct response is not visible;

rnodate comparison of the selected response and the additionalinformation; and

causing the student to select an alternative one of said plurality ofresponses and to indicate the alternative response selected.

l I. II I II

1. A teaching apparatus comprising: light-transmitting base means;translucent means superimposable upon the base means for presEntinginscribed information which is disposed on the reverse side thereof andis normally obscured from visual observations; stationary illuminatingmeans associated with the presenting means for illuminating selectedportions of the inscribed information to cause said information to bevisible through said translucent means; and displaceable shutter meansinterposable between said illuminating means and said translucent meansfor determining the shape, dimensions and location of illuminationemitted by the illuminating means.
 2. Apparatus as defined in claim 1further comprising tinted shutters selectively filtering theillumination emitted through the displaceable shutter means so thatwhile the illumination is filtered, inscribed information on thesuperimposable means having the same color hue as the tinted shutterswill be visually obscured, said tinted shutters being selectivelydisplaceable to permit reading of said inscribed information.
 3. Ateaching apparatus comprising: a light-transmitting plate; alight-transmitting template disposed on said plate having indiciaprovided on both the front and rear surfaces of said template with theindicia on said rear surface being readable through said template uponillumination of the portion of said template bearing said indicia onsaid rear surface; a light source projecting a light beam to thelight-transmitting plate; means for varying the configuration of thelight beam; and means for varying the location of incidence of the lightbeam upon the plate.
 4. A teaching apparatus as defined in claim 3further comprising transparent means superimposed over and spaced fromthe light-transmitting plate, the transparent means erasably receivingindicia.
 5. A teaching apparatus as defined in claim 3 wherein the lightsource is stationary and the first determining means comprises meansinterposed between said light source and said template defining anaperture through which light from the stationary source projects and ashutter assembly remotely controlled to vary the size and configurationof the aperture.
 6. A teaching apparatus as defined in claim 5 whereinthe second determining means comprises remotely controlled means fordisplacing the aperture defining means laterally relative to thestationary light source.
 7. In a method of teaching a student, the stepsof: communicating to the student information which suggests a response;illuminating a portion of a template so that a plurality of responses tothe communicated information are visibly observable by the student whileblocking illumination from other portions of the template so thatinformation indicating the correct response is not visible; causing thestudent to select at least one of said plurality of responses and toindicate the selected response; thereafter illuminating said otherportions of said template to render visible additional informationrelating to the correct response and to accommodate comparison of theselected response and the additional information; and causing thestudent to select an alternative one of said plurality of responses andto indicate the alternative response selected.